The 2013 Dodge Journey has 4 safety recalls and 353 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (73 complaints).
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA recall 16V273000 · May 6, 2016 · 8,569 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Electronic stability control (esc)
NHTSA recall 15V675000 · Oct 19, 2015 · 275,187 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2013 Dodge Journey SUV 4WD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.9%
2013 Dodge Journey SUV FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
18.5%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Journey FWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Journey FWD FFV
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Journey AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery; Alternator/generator/regulator
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Aug 24, 2026 · 153,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the replacement ABS module was no longer available from the manufacturer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure as described in…
Jun 15, 2019Air bags The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air bag wiring harness and the ABS module water ingress were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jun 29, 2026 · 1 injuryElectrical system Incident occurred onJune 29, 2026 approximately around 6 pm. The system in question is the electrical. I was pulling out of the parking space at the Safeway parking lot, my arm was rested on the driver side door, window was down, and I heard the automatic door locks engaged. At that exact moment I felt a heavy shock go through my arm. I screamed, and at first I did not know what happened. As I was driving home, I knew the shock had come from my arm resting on the door lock. My left arm had a visible red mark. The incident had just now occurred so it has not been confirmed by anyone. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms.
Apr 9, 2025Vehicle speed control ABS Module failure. Replaced ABS module with brand new Mopar replacement. ABS module still will not communicate with system. No traction control, cruise control, multiple lights in dash.
Dec 21, 2025 · 267,000 miles · fire · 1 injuryEngine The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The contact managed to obtain a nearby fire extinguisher…
Feb 2, 2026Service brakes I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I would like them to be completed before my car either catches fire OR my ABS gives out and I get in an accident.
Jan 29, 2026Unknown or other We were driving our vehicle and suddenly the car shut down. It basically stopped running. Dash lights on, heater blower going etc but speed was dropping to 0 quickly. We were in a small town so we could pull over but had it been a highway it could have caused major issue pending what lane you were in. There was no warning, no sign like a check engine light nothing. I got out and checked the engine area everything looked fine, continued moving and tapping things and finally shut the hood ready to call road side assistance because it had been about 30 min when we decided to try one more time to start it. We were getting cranking but no start and then after 30 min and poking around tapping it…
Oct 4, 2025Air bags Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA24003 · opened Aug 1, 2024 · openVehicle entrapment The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume…
PE19014 · opened Sep 9, 2019 · closed Feb 25, 2026Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat…